Obituary
Lorna L. Stern
Lorna L. Stern,100, of Westby and formerly of Glen Ellyn, IL, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2017 at Norseland
Nursing Home in Westby.
Lorna was born on October 27, 1916 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Walter and Edna Wenzel. At an early age they moved to Wauwatosa. There in her first year of junior high, she met Bill, her husband-to-be.
They began courting after graduating from high school in 1935. They were married on May 17, 1941 and moved to Chicago, where Bill worked for Illinois Bell.
In October 1942, Bill entered the service and Lorna returned to Wauwatosa to live with her parents, but followed Bill wherever she could. In 1943 she lost her first child in a miscarriage.
When Bill returned from the service, they moved back to Chicago and eventually, Glen Ellyn. She created a welcoming home for their son, Richard and daughter, Laurie and their many friends.
Throughout those years, Lorna participated in a variety of community activities. At Faith Lutheran Church she taught Sunday School, served as a leader of the altar guild, the women’s group and a variety of committees. She was active in school and PTA activities and belonged to book clubs, women’s clubs and the Community Nursing Service.
In 2008, Lorna and Bill moved to Westby, Wisconsin, to be near their daughter, Laurie. In February 2009, Lorna fractured her hip and moved to Norseland Nursing Home. During her stay there she also battled the effects of dementia.
Lorna’s survivors include her husband of 75 years, Bill, son, Richard (Sawyer) Stern, daughter, Laurie (Robert) Erickson, and grandson, Adam Erickson. She will be greatly missed by them, as well as by others who came to know her throughout the years.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 18 at 3:00pm at Norseland Nursing Home. Memorials to Norseland Nursing Home Auxiliary are preferred. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
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